DOG OWNERS can ease the burden on councils and charities which have to look after lost animals by getting their dogs microchipped.
That’s the belief of animal welfare minister George Eustice, as owners could face a £500 fine if they don’t get their dogs microchipped and registered by Friday.
East Hampshire District Council took care of around 175 stray and neglected dogs last year, while 47,596 were left in council kennels across the UK over the same period.
Senior animal welfare officer Neil Burton is all for the changes as it will make it easier for wardens to identify stray dogs, with non-compliant owners facing financial penalties.
He said: “For instance, if the council picks up a dog that isn’t microchipped, but Mr Bloggs from Horndean claims it, then we’ll register it, but he’ll get a notice giving him 21 days to get his dog microchipped.
“If he doesn’t then he could get a fine or criminal record. Even if he’s sold thedog he could still get a notice as it’s his responsibility to update the database.”
Winchester City Council has done its bit as its animal welfare team held a series of free microchipping sessions for dogs around the district last autumn.
“It will help us when we get strays in because if they’re not microchipped it’s a massive challenge to find the owners,” said animal Welfare Officer, May Carrington.
“It will also help us keep track of breeders because they’ll have to get their puppies chipped and registered alongside the breeder’s name.”
Amy Wilson, charity manager at Support Adoption for Pets, said owners shouldn’t worry about microchipping their dog as it’s a simple and almost painless procedure.
She added: “It’s no bigger than a grain of rice and is injected under the skin at the scruff of the animal’s neck.”
Owners who have yet to microchip their dogs have been urged to contact a vet, with prices usually ranging from £10 to £30.